John Buford Keith, 85, of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

John was born April 7, 1941, in Montgomery County, Kentucky, to the late Ollie Buford Keith and Bessie Lenore Bashford Keith. He was a graduate of Mt. Sterling High School, Class of 1959, and later attended the University of Kentucky.

John dedicated 38 years of service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Transportation, District 7, where he served as Chief District Engineer. Following his retirement, he continued sharing his knowledge and experience as a consultant for Vaughn & Melton Construction.

A devoted man of faith, John attended First Church of God in Mt. Sterling, where he faithfully served his church and community in many ways throughout the years. He drove a church bus route, taught Sunday School and Bible Study, served as a youth counselor, and participated in several mission trips, including trips to Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and served on the Mt. Sterling Board of Adjustments.

John was a man of many talents and interests. He enjoyed working with his hands, especially leatherworking and woodworking, as well as making knives and gardening. He also loved playing golf. John and his beloved wife, Judy, shared a love of travel and enjoyed seeing the world together throughout their many years of marriage. Their travels took them to many memorable places, including Hawaii and Europe, as well as a special train journey out West. These adventures were among the many wonderful memories they created during their 66 years together.

Above all, John cherished his family, his faith, and the many friendships he made throughout his life.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years and high school sweetheart, Judy McClure Keith of Mt. Sterling; his son, Duane Thomas Keith of Lexington; his sister, Peggy Haulfler of Mt. Sterling; his granddaughter, Sara Keith Shackelford (John) of Mt. Sterling; and his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Grace Shackelford.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Buford Keith; his brother, Clell Thomas Keith; and his sister, Linda Keith Russell.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Taul Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. David Dooley officiating. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Taul Funeral Home Chapel.

Pallbearers will be John Shackelford, Robert Compton, John Tapp, Chris Bowling, Billy Calvert, and Charlie McVey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to First Church of God, 1051 Camargo Road, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.